Semi-trucks are among the largest vehicles on the road in Texas and the rest of the world. While these trucks are vital for the logistics and shipping of companies everywhere, they are also rather dangerous on the road if you do not know how to drive in a way that prevents semi-truck accidents. If you live in Texas and drive on highways a fair amount, here’s what you should know about semi-truck accidents.
Semi-Truck Accidents in Texas Statistics
In Texas, deaths attributed to semi-truck and big rig accidents have risen 52 percent since 2009. This could be because Texas is an oil-rich state, and large trucks are required to drill into the earth and move the oil across the country. Additionally, Texas is home to some of the most dangerous highways, and in 2018 there were more than 660 fatal crashes in the state that involved semi-trucks and other big trucks.
What Causes Semi-Truck Accidents?
One reason for semi-truck accidents is the nature of truck driving as a job. Truck drivers are often encouraged to work long hours, causing exhausted or distracted driving, which is very dangerous. Another cause for semi-truck accidents is other drivers being unaware of semi-truck blind spots and getting too close to these large vehicles. Alcohol and drug use also account for several truck-involved accidents, as do texting and driving.
How Can You Prevent Semi-Truck Accidents?
When it comes to semi-truck accidents and car accidents in general, you can reduce your risk by practicing good “driving hygiene.” This includes limiting distractions, not texting and driving, ensuring that you do not ingest drugs or alcohol before driving, and ensuring your vehicle is equipped with working safety features. You can also prevent semi-truck accidents by familiarizing yourself with big rig blind spots and how to avoid them. In general, you should also keep a safe distance from semi-trucks and other large vehicles to ensure there is a buffer between your car and them.
CONTACT HERRMAN & HERRMAN IF YOU HAVE BEEN INJURED IN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING TYPES OF ACCIDENTS:
We can help you if you have been harmed by the following:
- Car accidents – Our lawyers have extensive experience handling car accident cases. We will work to identify the party or parties at fault for the crash and build a case to demonstrate persuasively how the parties caused the accident and your injuries. We will seek fair and full compensation through a negotiated settlement or at trial if necessary.
- Truck accidents – Thousands of large commercial trucks travel the roads of Texas every single day. Unfortunately, careless truck drivers and trucking companies disregarding safety put innocent people at risk of serious injuries. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, let our experienced Texas personal injury lawyers stand up to the trucking companies and insurers on your behalf.
- Motorcycle accidents – Motorcycle riders often suffer grievous injuries in crashes caused by other motorists. Too many motorcycle accidents in Corpus Christi are caused by careless drivers who don’t look for motorcycle riders or violate their right of way. Our personal injury lawyers will work to cut through the bias and stigma against motorcycle riders. Our goal is to seek the financial compensation that you’ll need to recover from a serious motorcycle accident and injuries such as bone fractures, road rash, or traumatic brain injury.
- Product liability – Product manufacturers have a legal obligation to make products that are safe for their intended uses and to warn consumers of any risks that may come with the product. When products have design or manufacturing defects or undisclosed dangers, the product manufacturer may be legally responsible for injuries suffered by consumers. Our attorneys can help you evaluate whether you have a valid product liability claim.
- Brain injury – Brain injuries can leave accident victims with disabilities that leave them unable to work or perform many tasks of daily living. Seeking compensation for a brain injury in an accident often proves incredibly complex. The brain injury survivor may seek compensation for anticipated future medical care and the medical care already provided. Our personal injury lawyers can help you through the difficult recovery process following a brain injury and will fight to make sure you have the resources you need.
- Spinal injury – Spinal cord injuries could cost millions of dollars of care over the course of the victim’s lifetime, especially when those injuries result in partial or complete paralysis, such as paraplegia or quadriplegia. If you or your loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury, you deserve compassionate legal representation. Our attorney can help you determine whether you may be entitled to claim compensation for your injury and expenses related to living with the disability, such as making a home more accessible.
- Wrongful death – If you have lost a loved one due to the negligent or reckless actions of another party, your family deserves to seek accountability and compensation from those at fault for the wrongful death. Our caring and dedicated attorneys can help guide you and your family through this difficult and painful time and seek justice for your loved one.
